Polar Bear

A symbol of the Arctic, polar bears are the world’s largest land predator and biggest member of the bear family. With heavy fur, blubber up to four inches thick, and black skin that absorbs heat from the sun, polar bears are amazingly well adapted to the Arctic climate. These creatures built for ice and snow keep so warm that overheating can be a problem! Polar bears are also medical wonders. Like other bears, denning females spend long periods of time largely immobile without eating or drinking, yet they do not lose bone mass or suffer from lack of water. Scientists believe that understanding polar bears may hold the key to treating many diseases. Unfortunately, this magnificent animal may be one of the first lost in a warming world.

Scientific name: Ursus maritimus
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Endangered Species Act List: Threatened
Region: Arctic